Water circulation in washing machine

ABSTRACT

A washing machine capable of circulating washing water between a branch part and a washing tub. The branch part includes ports coupled to the inflow and outflow ports of the washing tub. Water flowing into the branch part can be returned to the washing tub. The branch part also includes a port coupled to the drain port of the washing machine through which washing water is drained out of the washing machine. The branch part including a filter accommodation member configured to removably accommodate a filter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0017478, filed on Feb. 15, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to washing machines, and water circulation systems in washing machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A washing machine is an appliance used for washing and cleaning laundry by friction between the laundry and washing water. During operation, a water tub containing the laundry rotates to generate the friction. Typically, a drum washing machine cleans laundry by lifting and dropping the laundry while the washing tub rotates; while a vertical-shaft washing machine cleans laundry by generating a strong water flow through rotation of a washing tub.

During a washing processing, washing water discharged out of the washing tub can be circulated back to it. However, in a dewatering process, the washing water is drained out of the washing machine without returning, e.g., after a washing process is completed. A branch part can be used for both returning and draining washing water. More specifically, washing water supplied to the washing tub is returned to the washing tub via the branch part (in a return process); and the washing water is drained out of the washing machine via the branch part (in a dewatering process).

The branch part includes a drain device accommodation part coupled to a drain device (e.g., a water pump) which provides drive power for dewatering. At the early stage of dewatering, the water flow in the branch part is large and the branch part is primarily filled with water only. Later after the water flow becomes smaller, the branch part is filled with a lot of air in addition to the washing water. When the drain device tries to pump water together with air, a high level of noise unfortunately results.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a washing machine that produces reduced noise during dewatering process.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine includes a washing tub into which water is supplied to wash washing objects; a drain port through which the water is drained to the outside of the washing machine; and a branch part including a filter accommodation portion configured to removably accommodate a filter. The washing tub includes an outflow port through which the water flows out and an inflow port through which the water flowing out from the outflow port is returned to the washing tub. The branch part includes a first port coupled to the outflow port, a second port coupled to the inflow port and a third port coupled to the drain port. The branch part is configured so that the water flowing into the branch part through the first port is returned to the washing tub through the second port or drained to the outside of the washing machine through the third port.

Further, the washing machine further includes a drain device that drives water from the branch part to the drain port. A filter mount to which the filter is removably mounted is disposed in a front portion of the branch part. A drain device accommodation portion which accommodates the drain device is formed in a rear portion of the branch part.

Further, the washing machine comprises a circulation device that drives water in the branch part to return to the washing tub. The circulation device accommodation portion which accommodates the circulation device is disposed in one side portion of the branch part. The first port and the circulation device accommodation portion are disposed on opposite sides of the branch part.

Moreover, the branch part further includes a partition wall configured to partition the filter accommodation portion and the drain device accommodation portion. A through-hole which brings the filter accommodation portion and the drain device accommodation portion into communication with each other is formed in a lower portion of the partition wall.

Further, the drain device accommodation portion includes the partition wall and a circumferential wall extending in a front-rear direction of the branch part. The through-hole is formed adjacent to the circumferential wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an exemplary washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary branch part used on the washing machine illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary branch part illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary branch part illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the exemplary branch part illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of exemplary branch part illustrated in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosure can be readily determined by those skilled in the art. As those skilled in the art will realize, the described exemplary embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, which is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

It is noted that the drawings are schematic and are not necessarily dimensionally illustrated. Relative sizes and proportions of parts in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in size, and a predetermined size is just exemplary and not limiting. The same reference numerals designate the same structures, elements, or parts illustrated in two or more drawings in order to exhibit similar characteristics.

The exemplary drawings of the present disclosure illustrate ideal exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail. As a result, various modifications of the drawings are expected. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments are not limited to a specific form of the illustrated region, and for example, include a modification of a form by manufacturing.

The configuration and operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an exemplary washing machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary branch part used on the washing machine illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary branch part illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the exemplary branch part illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a side view of the exemplary branch part illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a rear view of exemplary branch part illustrated in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the exemplary washing machine 10 includes: a washing tub 100 for containing washing water and washing objects; a drain port 200 through which water is drained to the outside of the washing machine 10; a branch part 300 from which water discharged from the washing tub 100 is circulated back to the washing tub 100 or drained through the drain port 200; a drain device 400 that provides drive power for discharging water from the branch part 300 to the drain port 200; and a circulation device 500 that provides drive power for returning water from the branch part 300 to the washing tub 100.

The washing tub 100 includes a supply port 110, an outflow port 120 and an inflow port 130. The washing machine 10 is supplied with water from an external water source. Water is introduced into the washing tub 100 through the supply port 110. Furthermore, water is discharged from the washing tub 100 through the outflow port 120. The outflow port 120 may be disposed at the bottom of the washing tub 100.

When water is discharged from the washing tub, either or both of the drain device 400 and the circulation device 500 may be enabled. Water flowing out from the outflow port 120 of the washing tub 100 may be sent to the drain port 200 via the branch part 300 or may be supplied to the inflow port 130 via the branch part 300.

In the aforementioned embodiment and the relevant drawings, the inflow port 130 and the supply port 110 are separate. However, the present disclose is not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, both water supplied from the outside and water returned from the branch part 300 pass through the same port, e.g., the inflow port 130.

Through the drain port 200, water is drained from the washing tub 100 to the outside of the washing machine 10. The drain port 200 may be disposed, for example, at the lower side of the washing machine 10 and may include a hose. The branch part 300 is coupled to the outflow port 120 and the inflow port of the washing tub 100 as well as the drain port 200.

The branch part 300 includes a filter accommodation member 310, a first port 320 coupled to the outflow port 120, a second port 330 coupled to the inflow port 130, a third port 340 coupled to the drain port 200, a fourth port 350 through which water remaining in the filter accommodation member 310 can be discharged, a drain device accommodation member 360 which accommodates the drain device 400, a circulation device accommodation member 370 which accommodates the circulation device 500, a partition wall 380, a shock absorbing member 390 and a support bracket 391.

The filter accommodation member 310 is configured to accommodate a filter 301 for filtering extraneous material in the water. The filter 301 may be mounted or removed through a filter mounting/removal hole 311 in the front end portion of the branch part 300. A user can clean the filter 301 after removing it from the accommodation member 310.

The first port 320 may be formed on the side wall of the branch part 300. As an example, the first port 320 may extend horizontally when the washing machine 10 is placed in an operational position. The first port 320 is coupled to the filter accommodation member 310. Water flowing out from the outflow port 120 may be supplied into the filter accommodation member 310 through the first port 320.

Furthermore, the first port 320 may extend substantially perpendicular to the axial orientation of the branch part 300 (the front-rear direction). The axis of the first port 320 may be aligned with, or otherwise parallel with, the axis of the circulation device accommodation member 370. The first port 320 and the circulation device accommodation member 370 may open to opposite directions, as shown in FIG. 2.

Moreover, the first port 320 may be smaller than the second port 330 and the third port 340. In addition, the first port 320 may be coupled to the outflow port 120 via a hose. One end of the branch part 300 may face the housing of washing machine 10 (see FIG. 1).

The second port 330 may be disposed in the upper portion of the circulation device accommodation member 370 which is coupled to the side wall of the branch part 300. Furthermore, the second port 330 is coupled to the inflow port 130 of the washing tub 100. Water in the branch part 300 is supplied to the inflow port 130 through the second port 330. For example, the second port 330 may extend upward when the washing machine is in an operational position. Particularly, the second port 330 may extend toward the upper side of the branch part 300. The upper side of the branch part 300 is the same as the upper side of the washing machine 10. The second port may extend substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the branch part 300 and substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the first port 320. Furthermore, the second port 330 may be smaller than the first port 320 and the third port 340. Moreover, the second port 330 may be coupled to the inflow port 130 via a hose.

The third port 340 may be disposed in the upper portion of the drain device accommodation member 360 disposed in the rear portion of the branch part 300. For example, the third port 340 may be oriented at an acute angle from the upright direction, e.g., about 45 degrees. The third port 340 may be oriented at an acute angle from the axial direction of the second port, e.g., about 45 degrees.

The third port 340 is coupled to the drain port 200. Water in the branch part 300 may be discharged to the drain port 200 through the third port 340. Due to the extension direction of the third port 340, water is drained from the branch part 300 in a direction that deviates from the upper side at a predetermined angle. The third port 340 may be smaller than the first port 320 but larger than the second port 330. In addition, the third port 340 may be coupled to the drain port 200 through a hose.

The fourth port 350 is disposed in the lower region of the side wall of the branch part 300. The fourth port 350 is coupled to the drain port 200. Water in the branch part 300 may be discharged to the drain port 200 through the fourth port 350.

The drain device accommodation member 360 may accommodate a drain device impeller 401 of the drain device 400. Assuming that a filter mount 311 is disposed in the front side of the branch part (or the front side of the washing machine), the drain device accommodation member 360 may be provided at a rear side that is opposite to the front side of the branch part 300.

The drain device accommodation member 360 includes a circumferential wall 361 extending along the axial direction of the branch part 300 and a partition wall 380. The drain device accommodation member 360 may be concentric with the filter accommodation member 310. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the circumferential wall 361 may be coupled to the third port 340. The circumferential wall 361 may be cylindrical.

A main path 381, which is described in greater detail below, is formed between the drain device accommodation member 360 and the filter accommodation member 310. Water in the filter accommodation member 310 can flow to the drain device accommodation member 360 through the main path 381 and then becomes discharged through the third port 340 while a drain device impeller 401 rotates.

The circulation device accommodation member 370 may accommodates a circulation device impeller 501 of the circulation device 500. The circulation device accommodation member 370 and the first port 320 may be disposed on opposite sides of the branch part 300. Furthermore, a communication hole 371 is formed between the circulation device accommodation member 370 and the filter accommodation member 310. Water is introduced into the circulation device accommodation member 370 through the communication hole 371 and then discharged through the second port 330 as the drain device impeller 401 rotates.

The partition wall 380 is disposed inside the branch part 300 and between the filter accommodation member 310 and the drain device accommodation member 360. The partition wall 380 serves to separate the filter accommodation member 310 from the drain device accommodation member 360. A main path 381, a lower through-hole 382 and an upper through-hole 383 may be formed in the partition wall 380.

The main path 381 is formed in the center of the partition wall 380. Water introduced into the filter accommodation member 310 through the main path 381 may flow toward the drain device accommodation member 360. The main path 381 may have a circular shape and has a radius that is half of the partition wall radius.

The lower through-hole 382 is formed in the lower portion of the partition wall 380. The lower through-hole 382 may be contiguous to the circumferential wall 361 of the drain device accommodation member 360. Alternatively, there may be a short distance between the lower through-hole 382 and the circumferential wall 361, e.g., substantially equal to the diameter of the lower through-hole 383.

Water remaining in the drain device accommodation member 360 may be discharged to the filter accommodation member 310 through the lower through-hole 382. In addition, the lower through-hole 382 has a smaller diameter than the main path 381. For instance, the diameter of the lower through-hole 382 is about 3 mm.

The upper through-hole 383 is formed in the upper portion of the partition wall 380 and is disposed between the third port 340 of the circumferential wall 361 and the main path 381. In some embodiments, the distance L between the upper through-hole 383 and the third port 340 may be substantially equal to the distance L′ between the upper through-hole 383 and the main path 381. Water in the drain device accommodation member 360 may be discharged to the filter accommodation member 310 through the upper through-hole 383. In addition, the upper through-hole 383 has a smaller diameter than the main path 381. For instance, the diameter of the upper through-hole 383 may be about 3 mm.

The shock absorbing member 390 can attenuate vibration of the branch part 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the shock absorbing member 390 is disposed in the upper portion of the filter mount 311. In some other embodiments, the shock absorbing member 390 may be disposed in the support bracket 391 that is located on the side of the drain device accommodation member 360. The shock absorbing member 390 may surround the outer circumferential surface of the filter mount 311.

The support bracket 391 serves to affix the branch part 300 to the washing machine 10. For example, the support bracket 391 may be disposed on the side of, or below, the third port 340. The support bracket 391 may be oriented at a 45 degree angle from the axial direction of the drain device accommodation member 360. Moreover, the support bracket 391 may extend downward at a 45 degree angle (see FIG. 6) with reference to a horizontal direction. By using the support bracket 391, vibration and noise resulting from the drain process can be attenuated.

The drain device 400 may include a drain device impeller 401 and a power supply unit. The drain device impeller 401 may be accommodated within the drain device accommodation member 360 at the rear side of the branch part 300. The drain device 400 provides drive power for discharging water from the branch part 300 to the second port 330. Water introduced into the branch part 300 may be discharged to the second port 330 through the drain device accommodation member 360 by the drain device 400. For example, the drain device 400 may be a discharge pump. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The circulation device 500 may include a circulation device impeller 501 and a power supply unit. The circulation device impeller 501 may be accommodated within the circulation device accommodation member 370 at the side of the branch part 300. The circulation device 500 provides drive power for discharging the water from the branch part 300 to the third port 340. Water in the branch part 300 may be discharged to the third port 340 through the communication hole 371 and the circulation device accommodation member 370 by the circulation device 500. For example, the drain device 400 may be a discharge pump. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, an exemplary operational process that can be performed by the washing machine 10 is described. In a washing process, water is supplied from an external source to the washing machine 10 through the supply port 110.

Water is circulated through the branch part 300 during the washing process. More specifically, water in the washing tub 100 is discharged through the outflow port 120 and flows into the branch part 300 through the first port 320. The water then passes through the filter accommodation member 310, the communication hole 371, and the circulation device accommodation member 370. The circulation device 500 coupled to the circulation device accommodation member 370 and is configured to drive the water to be discharged from the circulation device accommodation member 370 to the second port 330. Water discharged to the second port 330 can be supplied back to the washing tub 100 through the inflow port 130 of the washing tub 100.

On the other hand, in a drain process, water flowing into the washing tub 100 can be drained through the branch part 300. More specifically, water in the washing tub 100 is discharged through the outflow port 120 and flows into the branch part 300 through the first port 320. The water then passes through the filter accommodation member 310, one or more of the main path 381, the lower through-hole 382 and the upper through-hole 383, and then the drain device accommodation member 360.

The drain device 400 is coupled to the drain device accommodation member 360 and is configured to discharge the water from the drain device accommodation member 360 to the third port 340. The water is then drained out of the washing machine 10 through the drain port 200.

In the case that the third port 340 is disposed in the upper portion of the drain device accommodation member 360, water in the drain device accommodation member 360 may not be completely discharged. Some of the water may remain inside the drain device accommodation member 360 at the lower side of the third port 340. The remaining water may flow toward the filter accommodation member 310 through one or more of the lower through-hole 382 and the upper through-hole 383, and then discharged to the drain port 200 through the fourth port 350. Thus, the amount of residual water in the drain device accommodation member 360 can be significantly reduced.

Further, the drain device accommodation member 360 communicates with the filter accommodation member 310 through one or more of the lower through-hole 382 and the upper through-hole 383. This can effectively suppress a surge of water flow in the drain device accommodation member 360 when the drain device 400 is first activated. Also, water vortex inside the drain device accommodation member 360 can be advantageously prevented. Furthermore, it can also prevent a local pressure of the residual water from dropping to a saturated vapor pressure or lower. As a result, air bubbles formed due to the drop of local pressure can be prevented.

Therefore, by utilizing one or more of the lower through-hole 382 and the upper through-hole 383, noise resulting from the interplay between water and air in the drain device accommodation member 360 can be significantly reduced. These holes 382 and 383 can also advantageously prevent a fatigue fracture resulting from the mixture of water and air in the drain device accommodation member 360.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure may be implemented in various ways without changing the necessary features or the spirit of the present disclosure.

Therefore, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described above are not limiting, but only an example in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is expressed by claims below, and it should be construed that all changes and modifications achieved from the meanings and scope of claims and equivalent concepts are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The exemplary embodiments disclosed in the specification of the present disclosure do not limit the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure will be interpreted by the claims below, and it will be construed that all techniques within the scope equivalent thereto belong to the scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine comprising: a washing tub configured to contain washing water and laundry, wherein the washing tub comprises: an outflow port configured to allow washing water to flow out of the washing tub; and an inflow port configured to allow washing water flowing out of the washing tub to return to the washing tub; a drain port configured to allow washing water to drain out of the washing machine; and a branch part coupled to the inflow port, the outflow port and the drain port.
 2. The washing machine of claim 1, wherein the branch part comprises a filter accommodation member configured to accommodate a filter.
 3. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the branch part further comprises: a first port coupled to the outflow port; a second port coupled to the inflow port; and a third port coupled to the drain port.
 4. The washing machine of claim 3, wherein washing water flowing into the branch part through the first port is returned to the washing tub through the second port; and wherein washing water is drained out of the washing machine through the third port.
 5. The washing machine of claim 4 further comprising a drain device configured to drive water flow from the branch part to the drain port.
 6. The washing machine of claim 2, wherein the branch part further comprises a filter mount disposed in a front portion of the branch part and operable to be coupled to the filter.
 7. The washing machine of claim 5, wherein the branch part further comprises a drain device accommodation member coupled to the drain device, wherein drain device accommodation member is disposed in a rear portion of the branch part.
 8. The washing machine of claim 3 further comprising: a circulation device configured to drive washing water in the branch part to return to the washing tub, wherein the branch part further comprises a circulation device accommodation member coupled to the circulation device, wherein the circulation device accommodation member is disposed on a side portion of the branch part.
 9. The washing machine of claim 8, wherein the first port and the circulation device accommodation member are disposed on opposite sides of the branch part opposite to one side portion.
 10. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the branch part further comprises a partition wall configured to separate the filter accommodation member from the drain device accommodation member, and wherein the partition wall comprises a through-hole.
 11. The washing machine of claim 10, wherein the drain device accommodation member comprises the partition wall and a circumferential wall that extends along an axial direction of the branch part.
 12. The washing machine of claim 11, wherein the through-hole is formed proximate to the circumferential wall.
 13. A washing machine comprising: a branch part; a washing tub configured to contain washing water and washing objects; a drain port through which washing water is drained out of the washing machine; a drain device configured to drive washing water in the branch part to be discharged to the drain port, wherein the washing tub comprises: an outflow port through which washing water flows out of the washing tub; and an inflow port through which washing water flowing out from the outflow port is returned to the washing tub; and wherein the branch part comprising: a filter accommodation member configured to accommodate a filter; a filter mount configured to be coupled to the filter; and a drain device accommodation member coupled to the drain device.
 14. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein the drain device accommodation member is disposed in a rear portion of the branch part.
 15. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein the filter mount is disposed in a front portion of the branch part.
 16. The washing machine of claim 13, wherein the branch part further comprises a partition wall disposed between the filter accommodation member and the drain device accommodation member.
 17. The washing machine of claim 16, wherein a through-hole is formed on the partition wall, and wherein the through-hole allows washing water to flow between the filter accommodation member and the drain device accommodation member.
 18. The washing machine of claim 17, wherein the through-hole is formed on a lower portion of the partition wall.
 19. The washing machine of claim 16, wherein the drain device accommodation member comprises the partition wall and a circumferential wall extending along an axial orientation of the branch part.
 20. The washing machine of claim 19, wherein the through-hole is formed adjacent to the circumferential wall. 